The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has said that expanding renewable energy is critical to strengthening energy security and resilience as countries grapple with ongoing global energy market disruptions.
In a new policy advisory released on April 13, the agency noted that several countries have already improved their resilience to the crisis through the strategic deployment of renewables.
According to the brief, renewable energy is reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports across countries such as Spain, Portugal, China, India and Pakistan.
Globally, renewable capacity continues to expand rapidly, with 692 GW added in 2025, while costs have fallen sharply—making over 85% of new renewable power cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives.
Since 2010, the cost of solar power has dropped by 87%, onshore wind by 55%, and battery storage by 93%, significantly improving the economics of clean energy. Hybrid systems combining renewables with storage are also enabling round-the-clock power supply at competitive costs.
IRENA said the ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, have exposed the structural weaknesses of fossil fuel-dependent energy systems, where oil and gas price volatility directly impacts electricity costs.
The agency warned that the crisis could have far-reaching economic consequences, affecting inflation, supply chains and overall economic stability—especially in vulnerable countries.
IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said the crisis highlights the importance of renewables as a national security priority.
“There is an urgent need for governments to accelerate renewable deployment and electrification to ensure long-term energy stability,” he said.
Policy recommendations
The advisory outlines a range of measures for governments, including:
• Fast-tracking renewable energy projects and grid expansion
• Promoting distributed solar and battery systems
• Introducing time-of-use tariffs to optimize energy demand
• Supporting electrification through subsidies and incentives
• Expanding mini-grids and clean transport solutions
In the medium to long term, IRENA recommends strengthening policy frameworks, investment conditions and domestic supply chains, while scaling up battery storage, electric mobility and industrial electrification.
The agency said a rapid transition to renewable energy will be essential for countries seeking to move from energy crisis to long-term energy security.
